Chinese partnership to tackle environmental challenges

A new partnership agreement has been signed with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), aimed at strengthening future research collaborations with the University of Leeds.

A
delegation from SJTU, which is a leading university in China, confirmed the
agreement during a visit to Leeds. It will better align research ambitions to tackle
global challenges in atmospheric change, water pollution, transport and
sustainable development.

During
the next 12 months, the two universities will work towards founding a joint
institute for environmental research.

The
visit to Leeds was led by Professor Zhongqin Lin, President of SJTU, who was joined
by colleagues including Vice-President Professor Lifeng Xi and Deans from four
schools.

University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands signs the agreement with SJTU president Professor Zhongqin Lin

They met
Leeds Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, and also had a detailed discussion
with Leeds Pro-Vice-Chancellor: International, Professor Hai-Sui Yu.

The
visitors were shown the Universitys extensive environmental research
facilities by Professor Andy Dougill, Executive Dean for Environment.

During
their tour, the Chinese delegation learnt about current research, including
studies in relation to the impact of air quality on respiratory illnesses and
in the built environment, and how traffic pollution can be reduced. They also
learnt about investigations into how data can be used to improve human health.

As well
as promoting joint research, the agreement also offers greater opportunities
for student exchange visits between Masters students and PhD researchers.

The
visit  which included signing a new Memorandum of Understanding - was brokered
by Leeds Pro-Vice-Chancellor: International, Professor Hai-Sui Yu.

Professor Yu with colleagues from Leeds and the Chinese delegation during their tour of the University.

Professor
Yu said: We are an internationally-focused University and strengthening our relationship
with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, one of the most significant institutions in
China, is important for us.

"It also supports the Leeds City Region because of
its cultural and industrial impact - through exchange trips for students and
staff - and in terms of the quality and impact of our research.

SJTU
President Professor Lin also expressed his happiness with the signing: Shanghai
Jiao Tong University highly cherishes its partnership with Leeds and we are
extremely pleased to be able to extend our collaboration to the field of
environmental science, which is key to the world surrounding us. I believe our joint institute will make due contributions
to finding solutions to the earths problems.

During
the visit, Sir Alan Langlands informed the delegation about the Universitys
recent successes in securing significant research funding to tackle global
challenges including economic sustainability and improving weather forecasting
in Africa.

The
Chinese visit to Leeds follows a trip to Shanghai in November when negotiations
for the agreement were opened as the universities reviewed their respective
research and educational strengths.

Speaking
to the Chinese visitors, Sir Alan said: Last time we met, we agreed we had a
strong relationship in the field of humanities research, now we have the
opportunity to extend that into the sciences.

He also explained
how the universitys breadth and scale had proven beneficial in carrying out
successful interdisciplinary research and explained how in the past year Leeds
had secured multi-million pound grant funding from government, major charities,
the private sector and the European Union.

Further information

The top picture shows the Shanghai city skyline.

Professor
Yu is available for interview, please contact Peter Le Riche in the University
of Leeds press office on 0113 343 2049 or email p.leriche@leeds.ac.uk